This team exists for one purpose—to honor lives lost and ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

On August 6, 2011, the United States military experienced the deadliest single loss in special operations history. A CH-47 Chinook helicopter—call sign Extortion 17—was shot down in Afghanistan. On board were 31 American and allied service members, along with a military working dog, Bart. Thirty-one heroes who gave everything.

Their story does not end that day—and neither does our responsibility to remember.

Through our partnership with the 31 Heroes organization, each jersey will carry the name and number of one of those fallen heroes. Every player who wears that jersey carries more than a number—they carry a name, a story, and a legacy. It is our commitment that those stories will be learned, shared, and never forgotten.

The Extortion 17 team will begin with our alumni players, competing in tournaments across the country. But this is more than hockey. Every game, every jersey, every mile traveled is a promise—to keep their memory alive and to honor the sacrifice they made.

We are proud to stand alongside 31 Heroes and participate in 31 Miles for 31 Heroes this August in Washington, D.C., where alumni, current players, and families will come together in remembrance and unity. We invite our community to join us in this mission.

Because honoring them is not a moment—it is a responsibility.

And we will carry it forward.